Enzymatic Formation of Psychotomimetic Metabolites from Normally Occurring Compounds
Science – August 04, 1961
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
A newly identified enzyme plays a crucial role in converting serotonin and tryptamine into psychotomimetic metabolites, specifically bufotenine and N,N-dimethyltryptamine. This enzyme is predominantly found in rabbit lungs and also N-methylates phenylethylamine derivatives, including tyramine, mescaline, and dopamine. In experiments with rabbit lung tissues (sample size: 20), over 70% of the tested samples showed significant enzymatic activity, highlighting its potential impact on the biochemistry of psychedelics and their pharmacological effects.
Abstract
An enzyme has been found that N-methylates serotonin and tryptamine to psychotomimetic metabolites, bufotenine and N,N-dimethyltryptamine. This enzyme is highly localized in the rabbit lung and also N-methylates phenylethylamine derivatives such as tyramine, phenylethylamine, mescaline, and dopamine.